eSports News: The Overwatch League

Following South Korea’s victory over Russia in the Overwatch World Cup Finals, Blizzard announced the Overwatch League at BlizzCon. It begins in 2017 with a structure not seen in an eSports League before.

The New Structure

Teams will represent major cities around the world. Initially represented cities will be but the first wave, and more teams entering as the League goes on. Team owners will bid for locations to represent. If a bid is successful, that Team/City will have a guaranteed place in the Overwatch League.

The Path to Glory video says owners and players will share in league economics. Owners will have active roles in developing their players, building their team’s internal structure, and setting team roles. Players will have contracts stating conditions, compensation and benefits of signing with the team. Contracts are important for players, as they protect the players rights. There’s been a myriad of issues with sponsors and organisations trying to take advantage of players. Including slashing player pay and trying to take stream revenue.

How it Begins

In early 2017 Blizzard will host a combine, providing a stage for teams to scout out potential talent. Following the combine, there will be a signing period where team rosters are finalised. Season proper begins afterward with LAN play in front of live audiences. The season will culminate in live playoffs and an Overwatch League World Championship (Separate from the recent Overwatch World Championship, played between national teams and won by Korea).

For the hopefuls, it’s a safe bet that the league’s platform will be PC with no word on console leagues. Achieving high ranks, participating in online leagues (like ESL), and playing in third party events are good ways to start a prospective career. This has likely been Blizzards endgame since the alpha and the league is welcome. Besides, the world could always use more eSports.

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About The Author

I write about eSports, covering emerging titles, balance patches, and the growth of the Industry itself in Ireland and abroad. My first foray into competitive gaming was Halo 2, and have since played almost every genre competitively. Currently I play across Xbox and PC, with prominent titles being Overwatch, Halo, and PlayerUnkown’s Battlegrounds. When the tilt overcomes me, and I’m not streaming or gaming, I can be found reading and writing Sci-Fi or playing Dungeons & Dragons.